April 13, 1938 - July 9, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Dad was born in Calgary, AB. April 13th, 1938, to Fred and Dora Ayres. His father was an officer in the Canadian Army in WW2 and was overseas until Dad was 8 years old.
The family relocated to Spruce Grove, and then on to Ottawa where Dad played Centre for his high school (Lisgar Collegiate Institute) football team. After graduation Dad fulfilled his dream and joined the RCMP and completed training in 1958. He was posted in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Keremeos. Then onto Penticton.
He married Judith Anne Nall on September 12th, 1964. His son Dave Jr. was born in December of 1967 while posted at Penticton BC.
Dad was transferred to Kamloops Subdivision in January of 1968 and soon had his favorite posting in the Livestock Investigation Section. Here he worked with the Farm and Ranching Community who he had a great deal of admiration for.
His Daughter Lisa was born in February of 1969. In August of 1974 he was transferred to Chilliwack.
As children my sister and I grew up on a beautiful farm in Greendale. Dad was a right winged entrepreneur to the core, the farm sold milk, eggs, beef, veal, lambs, chickens, geese, pork, and hay. We kids had a great upbringing and learned the value of a dollar and hard work.
Our childhood was caring for the farm and working together as a family. I still hear his words of wisdom now; "Do it Right the First Time", "If You Are looking For a Helping Hand. Look First at The End of Your Arm", "Use Your Head for Something Other Than a Hat Rack". He had many more metaphors and some that were a lot more colorful.
Young members of the RCMP used to come and help on the farm. I think it was just to be around Dad, they revered him almost as much as I did! The agricultural community was fantastic as well. What great times we had!
Dad was transferred and the family moved to a ranch in Vernon, BC. in March of 1987. This beautiful spot on the Commonage was Dad's dream and I'm glad he got to spend the rest of his life there with the love of his life, my Mom.
Between ranchers, farmers, policemen, fantastic friends, and neighbours; the ranch was the place to be. House parties, Barbeques, target shoots, and other events were common. I'm grateful to my father for raising us around such a great class of people.
Dad retired from the RCMP a Sergeant in June of 1991. But that didn't stop the men and women of the force active and retired from visiting. I thank them and for being a part of our extended family for all these years.
Dad is survived by his wife Judith, his son Dave, daughter in law Michelle, grandchildren, Lee, Kyla, Kiera (Steen), Mack, Alexi, Josh, Justin, Fred and Jessica, great-grandchildren, Kolten, and Aria.
Dad was predeceased by his parents Fred and Dora Ayres, in-laws Stan and Margorie Nall, and his daughter Lisa.
My father was a one of a kind, a larger-than-life character that will never be forgotten by those who knew him. He was generous to his friends and put fear into the hearts of criminals. He was a giant of a man in stature and character. He was my dad, my hero, and my best friend.
The world has lost a great man. In the end Dad died at home, living life the way he wanted with Mom, still ranching, driving, and visiting with friends. A life well lived "God Damn Boys!"
A celebration of life will be held in Vernon BC. at the O'Keefe Ranch April 13th, 2024, from 1 - 5pm.
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Service Details
1:00 PM